April 15, 2020
Kuwait International Airport has re-opened to allow airlines to operate outbound flights only. U.S. citizens intending to return to the United States are encouraged to take advantage of the current flight options available below or be prepared to remain in Kuwait for an indefinite period of time until the airport fully reopens to commercial traffic. Please be aware that only one-way tickets are available.
Qatar Airways flights to United States: April 14 – May 30
Since April 14, Qatar Airways has operated two daily outbound flights at 2:00pm and 3:30pm from Kuwait to Doha (Hamad International Airport) with connections to select U.S. cities: Dallas (Fort Worth International Airport), Chicago (O’Hare International Airport), and Washington, DC (Dulles International Airport). These one-way flights are available for U.S. citizens and U.S. Permanent Residents (LPRs). Qatar Airways will continue operating these daily flights until May 30. Passengers will be responsible for all costs and onward travel arrangements from the above cities (lodging, final destination, local transportation, etc.).
The airport hotel and lounges at Hamad International Airport are available for booking online for long layovers. For pricing and reservations, please visit qatarairways.com.
Lufthansa Airlines flight to Chicago and Newark: April 17
A confirmed Lufthansa Airlines flight will be departing Kuwait early on Friday morning, April 17, at 1:45am to Frankfurt with direct onward connections to Chicago (O’Hare International Airport) and Newark (Liberty International Airport). The cost of the one-way ticket to Chicago will be KD 580 (economy), KD 832 (economy plus), or KD 1,878 (business class). The cost of the one-way ticket to Newark will be KD 523 (economy), KD 797 (economy plus), or KD 1,605 (business class).
Passengers will be responsible for all costs and onward travel arrangements from their destination of choice (lodging, final destination, local transportation, etc.).
If you are interested in departing to Chicago or Newark, please email the Lufthansa service center directly at agencysupport.gcc@dlh.de. You may also call the service center directly at 2228-5886 from Saturday through Thursday between 8:00am until 6:00pm.
This flight will depart after the curfew begins at 5:00pm. If you are confirmed on this flight, please allow for additional time for possible stops by local authorities. Please have a confirmation of your booking and your passport available. Individuals escorting passengers to the airport after 5:00pm must request a permit to be allowed to drive during curfew hours at curfew.paci.gov.kw.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still depart Kuwait on an expired tourist visa?
We understand that U.S. citizens with expired tourist visas will be allowed to depart Kuwait without paying overstay fines.
How can I get to the airport if I am under lockdown in Mahboula or Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh?
Travelers will need to arrange their own means of transportation to the airport. You will be permitted to leave only after curfew ends at 6:00am and will need to have your passport and confirmation of your booking available.
Can you book the flight for me?
The U.S. Embassy cannot assist with contacting airlines, arranging onward travel, or negotiating the use of funds from any pre-existing itineraries.
Can I book my luggage or pets all the way through?
You must contact your airline to review rules and regulations regarding pets and luggage.
Will I be required to self-quarantine when I arrive in the United States?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends all travelers returning from abroad to stay home for 14 days from the time they return home from international travel.
Reminder:
Potential travelers should consult CDC guidance on travel, consider health conditions at their final destination, and remember that they will not be able to return to Kuwait until the airport re-opens and commercial service has been restored. U.S. citizens who wish to depart Kuwait should also ensure that their travel documentation is in order, that there is no travel ban on their departure, and that they have funds to purchase tickets.
U.S. citizens should continue to check the Embassy website and follow our social media platforms for announcements about possible future flights to the United States.
The Embassy updates the information on its COVID-19 webpage daily so please check it for the latest information on COVID-19 in Kuwait.
If you have not done so already, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and messages from the Embassy.
